ESPN: Officer delayed Moats as relative died

[Bleu Star]

I guess the most comical thing about this whole ordeal is that, aside from APPEARING insensitive and obviously not sizing up the situation quicker (something a veteran cop would ...or should have been able to do)...the officer really didn't do anything WRONG. He witnessed an offense and stopped the car... a woman jumped out and he ordered her back in. He had nothing to do with the fact that the woman in the hospital was dying, and a safe assumption would be that the occupants couldn't have saved her...but his actions, in retrospect, were not as bad as the story makes it. If the woman would have been alive when the football player went in...or if this had not been a pro athlete, you would have never heard about this because it is EXACTLY like a hundred thousand stops made every day. My only critique is that the officer should have at least explored the possibility of hteir story after contact them. It's only a story because of the star points and the woman expired before they made it inside.

It's a story because a police officer didn't "serve and protect".. He only served. If it wasn't an NFL player who knows how many more times this ingrate would have pulled the same stunt with probably just a slap on the wrist? The story is what compelled the police chief to projectile vomit. So I am glad it was worthy enough to make the papers...

 

[Bleu Star]

Someone convince me that this would not have been swept under the rug and his wrist would not have been slapped if this was the average joe which would have equated to no media attention. Someone please convince me.

Fire his ***...

 

[Alexander]

I suppose by your line of thinking, the flashers should obviously mean the driver is the pillar of the church??

That's an amazing jump in logic, especially since I never implied that.

Even an imbecile should realize a criminal who is truly involved in something shady is not going to attact attention to themselves. It is common sense.

The chick jumping out and running is pure stupidity, no matter what the reason.

If your mother is dying you are going to care what some imbecile cop is doing? Few people are going to behave any differently. If you believe otherwise, you are either deluding yourself or need to actually face a situation like that.

Take a look at the outcome of "ordinary traffic stops" with the recent Oakland P.D. incident...YOU may take things for granted (innocent motorists), but there are two police officers who were writing a traffic ticket that are dead because they lost control of the stop and let a turd walk back to them from his car.

So every police officer nationwide receives a mandate to draw his weapon on every single stop because two officers in Oakland were killed by a lunatic after a routine stop?

And again, the murderer in Oakland was not driving around conspicously with his flashers on.

 

[TNCowboy]

Oh, for God's sake. The guy screwed up in an emotionally charged situation. Just the type of stuff that goes on in every family at times. People do and say things that don't really mean then once the emotional energy is discharged reason returns.

He made a mistake and apologized for it.

Time to move on. That is of course unless any of you have never screwed up.

Well put.

 

[Plumfool]

The problem is that he does not have the skills to be an effective police officer. He could not recognize the situation for what it was, did not want to check the story and escort them, and he caused the situation to get worse by his actions and words. He should not be in a position of power. He has no idea what to do with it.

And that right there is the reason for the outrage. After investigating 20 of similar cases in TX, (similar meaning an officer possibly step out of bounds or worst violated someones constitutional rights) I found that at least 82% of the officers had either a complaint filed against them before regarding such behavior or there were "whispers" of such and for whatever reason the situation went away. Its a type of thinking that can and will lead many in trouble. Its the same kind of thinking that criminals display. A feeling of entitlement. And people should not just let it go. They should expect more from their goverment officials.

Now I'm not going to attempt to weigh just how much remorse Officer Powells feels in this situation. However it should be noted that the Moats family was "Raped" of being together at a most critical and precious moment. His being able to move on after this episode should not be smooth. The family is going to have to deal with this problem for awhile and he should too as a reminder that the responsibilty he has is HUGE!! They cant just let it go.

Bottomline the situation was heighten by the officer. That is not what he was trained to do. Its opposite of what he was trained. Looking from my invistigator stand point it seems like he was trying to escalate the situation if anything. Even after Mr. Moats calmed down the officer used phrases that were boderline threatening. He took his time writing the ticket as to say "I'm the law and your going to do as I say". This is clearly a person with "problem thinking". Thats why this its important for people to be up in arms. Because otherwise problems like this will continue and cause problems for Officers who are doing their jobs the right way.

 

[jobberone]

The problem is that he does not have the skills to be an effective police officer. He could not recognize the situation for what it was, did not want to check the story and escort them, and he caused the situation to get worse by his actions and words. He should not be in a position of power. He has no idea what to do with it.

If it's a one time event then hopefully he learns from it. If you were videotaped then eventually you'd get caught screwing up. People make mistakes and that is everyone. Even police officers, presidents, soldiers, yada screw up.

No one of reason thinks it wasn't a mistake. It's up to the dept to decide if its a aberrant behavior or a recurring theme.

 

[Concord]

First let me say that i read all the responeses to this thread because I was really interested to know how people felt. I'm a law officer. I work as a Texas Ranger. And there is not one moment that I can honestly defend Officer Powells actions. People hear have tried to and I applaud the sentiment. Even some have suggested that Moats was in the wrong. I'm sorry thats not even close to being accurate. The reason? Powells has had what I trust extensive training in threat assesment.

Watching the video I notice quite a few things most glaring was the fact that Powell at no time was driving in a manner that suggested anything nefarious. Just because he ran one stop light and 2 private property stop signs does not suggest he was "up to something". He was not driving at a high rate of speed and when approaching each intersection he paused. That tells me there is either an emergency or this person just wants to get to his destination quickly for whatever reason. So follow until suspect gives reason to think otherwise. Secondly when seeing Moats approach the hospital this rasies my alarm further. Is there really an emergency? Or perhaps something else. Taking the type of driving coupled with the fact there was no call for an emergency vehicle I'm gonna think that this is an emergency. Once Moats parked and the officer heard the story if he still feels a threat. Tell Moats I'll walk with you inside and check out your story.

This officer drew his weapon upon seeing people shoot out of the van which suggestes a type of temperment. People will say that officer cant just trust what people say. Thats true but that is no license to take out your weapon. You protect yourself with your vehicle. If passenger had not gotten out of vehicle you approach cautiously with hand on weapon. Since the family did jump out all the officer had to do was calmly ask the family to remain where they were (with hand still on weapon) and ask them why they drove in the manner in which they did. Then follow through with walking with family inside. But I can understand drawing the weapon at first but not the pointing of it.

The video clearly shows there is a problem with this particular officers thinking. And there is more evidence that suggests that this officer has problems. There are reports that he also doctored his reports to suggests his reasoning for chasing Moats. And he is caught on video admitting to the fact. If true be he will be fired.

Having had the displeasure of imvestigating these type of situations I'll say this the smartest thing the chief did was come out right away and express the displeasure of the department. Sometimes to their own demise police officer stand behind one another.

Their is no excuse for what happened. And anyone who tries and defends or dismiss or even gives an excuse for Officer Powell actions should honestly look at themselves. Because this officer was trained to protect and serve. Since there was no threat any good gets canceled out. There is no "well he did not know" there is no "well there is the possibility of." Police are trained to act on such situations. And at no particular time did this officer rely on that training, only on himself.

Nice post.

And it really was that simple.

 

[Bleu Star]

First let me say that i read all the responeses to this thread because I was really interested to know how people felt. I'm a law officer. I work as a Texas Ranger. And there is not one moment that I can honestly defend Officer Powells actions. People hear have tried to and I applaud the sentiment. Even some have suggested that Moats was in the wrong. I'm sorry thats not even close to being accurate. The reason? Powells has had what I trust extensive training in threat assesment.

Watching the video I notice quite a few things most glaring was the fact that Powell at no time was driving in a manner that suggested anything nefarious. Just because he ran one stop light and 2 private property stop signs does not suggest he was "up to something". He was not driving at a high rate of speed and when approaching each intersection he paused. That tells me there is either an emergency or this person just wants to get to his destination quickly for whatever reason. So follow until suspect gives reason to think otherwise. Secondly when seeing Moats approach the hospital this rasies my alarm further. Is there really an emergency? Or perhaps something else. Taking the type of driving coupled with the fact there was no call for an emergency vehicle I'm gonna think that this is an emergency. Once Moats parked and the officer heard the story if he still feels a threat. Tell Moats I'll walk with you inside and check out your story.

This officer drew his weapon upon seeing people shoot out of the van which suggestes a type of temperment. People will say that officer cant just trust what people say. Thats true but that is no license to take out your weapon. You protect yourself with your vehicle. If passenger had not gotten out of vehicle you approach cautiously with hand on weapon. Since the family did jump out all the officer had to do was calmly ask the family to remain where they were (with hand still on weapon) and ask them why they drove in the manner in which they did. Then follow through with walking with family inside. But I can understand drawing the weapon at first but not the pointing of it.

The video clearly shows there is a problem with this particular officers thinking. And there is more evidence that suggests that this officer has problems. There are reports that he also doctored his reports to suggests his reasoning for chasing Moats. And he is caught on video admitting to the fact. If true be he will be fired.

Having had the displeasure of imvestigating these type of situations I'll say this the smartest thing the chief did was come out right away and express the displeasure of the department. Sometimes to their own demise police officer stand behind one another.

Their is no excuse for what happened. And anyone who tries and defends or dismiss or even gives an excuse for Officer Powell actions should honestly look at themselves. Because this officer was trained to protect and serve. Since there was no threat any good gets canceled out. There is no "well he did not know" there is no "well there is the possibility of." Police are trained to act on such situations. And at no particular time did this officer rely on that training, only on himself.

Thread killer right there... Game, Set, Match. Rid the department of this garbage before a trend develops and he becomes a 20 year tenured bad officer. This idiot makes those that do hold true to the "serve and protect" mantra look extremely bad. There are lots of really great public servants out there.

 

[Alexander]

I guess the most comical thing about this whole ordeal is that, aside from APPEARING insensitive and obviously not sizing up the situation quicker (something a veteran cop would ...or should have been able to do)...

There was nothing "appearing" insensitive. He was. Even after it was obvious he was proven wrong and had several others pointing out his continued inappropriate behavior.

the officer really didn't do anything WRONG.

He did many things wrong. Including drawing his firearm, losing his patience and obviously, not even offering an apology even after their story checked out.

He witnessed an offense

And the offense was, oh my, brace yourselves--running a redlight and stop signs.

He was not weaving, driving recklessly or endangering anyone.

and stopped the car... a woman jumped out and he ordered her back in.

And like many situations like this, her lack of respect for his "authority" caused him to lose his cool and act like an unprofessional imbecile. He got frustrated and went above and beyond protecting himself. He wasn't protecting himself when he was arguing about towing the vehicle. He did not like being challenged and responded with emotion of his own.

you would have never heard about this because it is EXACTLY like a hundred thousand stops made every day.

Officers pull their firearms on people at traffic stops every day? I must live a sheltered and uninformed existence.

 

[Kevinicus]

It's a story because a police officer didn't "serve and protect".. He only served. If it wasn't an NFL player who knows how many more times this ingrate would have pulled the same stunt with probably just a slap on the wrist? The story is what compelled the police chief to projectile vomit. So I am glad it was worthy enough to make the papers...

There was no protecting to be done here. The only possibility for protecting is if Moats had been dangerous and he was protecting others on the road and/or in the hospital from potentially being hurt.

And I still can't figure out why the whole flashing lights means a driver not obeying the rules of the road means there is a legit situation going on. I mean can you people honestly tell me you haven't seen a ton of police chase videos where the car being chased has it's flashers on?

 

[Bleu Star]

There was no protecting to be done here. The only possibility for protecting is if Moats had been dangerous and he was protecting others on the road and/or in the hospital from potentially being hurt.

And I still can't figure out why the whole flashing lights means a driver not obeying the rules of the road means there is a legit situation going on. I mean can you people honestly tell me you haven't seen a ton of police chase videos where the car being chased has it's flashers on?

When he didn't realized a little compassion was on the menu he failed to protect the Moats family's rights to all go and spend their last moments with a close relative just yards away before she passed on...

 

[TNCowboy]

He did many things wrong. Including drawing his firearm, losing his patience and obviously, not even offering an apology even after their story checked out.

Drawing his firearm while someone from a suspect's vehicle runs away is not something he did wrong. He was 100% right to do so.

 

[Dodger12]

First let me say that i read all the responeses to this thread because I was really interested to know how people felt. I'm a law officer. I work as a Texas Ranger. And there is not one moment that I can honestly defend Officer Powells actions. People hear have tried to and I applaud the sentiment. Even some have suggested that Moats was in the wrong. I'm sorry thats not even close to being accurate. The reason? Powells has had what I trust extensive training in threat assesment.

Np disrespect but that's hog wash. This officer, during the initial phases of the stop, was absolutely by the book. Anyone who has been to any acredited law enforcement academy of any value since 1991 has seen the the Darrell Lunsford video; probably one of the most tragic yet useful law enforcement training tools. The primary rule that was learned and hammered home is control your scene; keep the occupants in the vehicle at all times; deal with one occupant at a time and always keep them in front of you; action is faster than reaction. Texas Rangers, after shooting incidents, have refered to lessons learned in Lunsford video as having saved their lives. This is why you heard Officer Powell repeat over and over for the occupants to stay in their car. At no point in the video up until Moats realized he wasn't going to get anywhere with his yelling, was anyone at the scene even remotely compliant. In hind signt, I can understand why they didn't and I can certainly understand their emotion. But if Moats would have listened instead of trying to scream over the officer during the inital phases of the stop and after a one minute chase, the whole scene may have ended up differently. The officer tried explaining that he needed to verify the driver's information. This may take no more than one minute of someone's time once the officer has all the details he needs. Moats refused to produce his insurance and became what could be interpreted to some as beligerent tot he point where the officer asked dispatch for backup, all by the book

This officer drew his weapon upon seeing people shoot out of the van which suggestes a type of temperment....you protect yourself with your vehicle.

This statement is shocking to me coming from a law enforcement officer. No disrespect, but I'm starting to have my doubts.

Their is no excuse for what happened. And anyone who tries and defends or dismiss or even gives an excuse for Officer Powell actions should honestly look at themselves. Because this officer was trained to protect and serve. Since there was no threat any good gets canceled out. There is no "well he did not know" there is no "well there is the possibility of." Police are trained to act on such situations. And at no particular time did this officer rely on that training, only on himself.

Again, hog wash. And from a person who was supposedely trained at one of the premier law enforcement academies in the country. You refered to threat assessment earlier in your post. Attitude and complaince are big factors in the initial evaluation of the scene. But there came a time when Powell should have filtered the information and used his discretion to bring the scene to a resolution, especially after the nurse verified the situation. He didn't do that and he failed miserably.

But too many people here are painting this whole scenario in black and white and painting all law enforcment officers with a real broad brush. There's simple lesson here. Stop when you see lights and sirens, be compliant and explain your situation. Most law enforcment officers are level headed people. We only see the few times when things go wrong and draw our conclusions on that alone, but never the thousands of times when their judgement is spot on.

 

[Bleu Star]

Hos, your police video link isn't working.

Part 1
[youtube]77Q49VztpLI[/youtube]

Part 2
[youtube]TsXvOjpantI[/youtube]

Geez, they were just outside the hospital.. The head nurse, after being told of what was happening outside, even came outside to corroborate the Moats story with the police officer. To no avail... What an idiot.

In video 1 you can clearly see that Moats was driving with his hazards on which normally means something life or death is going on that's causing the rush. Yet still no compassion... ok.

 

[jobberone]

Np disrespect but that's hog wash. This officer, during the initial phases of the stop, was absolutely by the book. Anyone who has been to any acredited law enforcement academy of any value since 1991 has seen the the Darrell Lunsford video; probably one of the most tragic yet useful law enforcement training tools. The primary rule that was learned and hammered home is control your scene; keep the occupants in the vehicle at all times; deal with one occupant at a time and always keep them in front of you; action is faster than reaction. Texas Rangers, after shooting incidents, have refered to lessons learned in Lunsford video as having saved their lives. This is why you heard Officer Powell repeat over and over for the occupants to stay in their car. At no point in the video up until Moats realized he wasn't going to get anywhere with his yelling, was anyone at the scene even remotely compliant. In hind signt, I can understand why they didn't and I can certainly understand their emotion. But if Moats would have listened instead of trying to scream over the officer during the inital phases of the stop and after a one minute chase, the whole scene may have ended up differently. The officer tried explaining that he needed to verify the driver's information. This may take no more than one minute of someone's time once the officer has all the details he needs. Moats refused to produce his insurance and became what could be interpreted to some as beligerent tot he point where the officer asked dispatch for backup, all by the book



This statement is shocking to me coming from a law enforcement officer. No disrespect, but I'm starting to have my doubts.



Again, hog wash. And from a person who was supposedely trained at one of the premier law enforcement academies in the country. You refered to threat assessment earlier in your post. Attitude and complaince are big factors in the initial evaluation of the scene. But there came a time when Powell should have filtered the information and used his discretion to bring the scene to a resolution, especially after the nurse verified the situation. He didn't do that and he failed miserably.

But too many people here are painting this whole scenario in black and white and painting all law enforcment officers with a real broad brush. There's simple lesson here. Stop when you see lights and sirens, be compliant and explain your situation. Most law enforcment officers are level headed people. We only see the few times when things go wrong and draw our conclusions on that alone, but never the thousands of times when their judgement is spot on.

Bravo. Someone with a little sense here. Even black and white photos aren't all black and white. The police officer apologized. What more do people want? Perfect doctors with perfect outcomes. Perfect policemen. Perfect politicians. Ok that's too far but you get the drift.

 

[Bleu Star]

Bravo. Someone with a little sense here. Even black and white photos aren't all black and white. The police officer apologized. What more do people want? Perfect doctors with perfect outcomes. Perfect policemen. Perfect politicians. Ok that's too far but you get the drift.

I'll give this clown the benefit of the doubt. At 7:30 into the first video when the officer is informed that the story is in fact true by a hospital official "compassion" should have kicked in. It didn't. Idiot material.

 

[Plumfool]

Np disrespect but that's hog wash. This officer, during the initial phases of the stop, was absolutely by the book. Anyone who has been to any acredited law enforcement academy of any value since 1991 has seen the the Darrell Lunsford video; probably one of the most tragic yet useful law enforcement training tools. The primary rule that was learned and hammered home is control your scene; keep the occupants in the vehicle at all times; deal with one occupant at a time and always keep them in front of you; action is faster than reaction. Texas Rangers, after shooting incidents, have refered to lessons learned in Lunsford video as having saved their lives. This is why you heard Officer Powell repeat over and over for the occupants to stay in their car. At no point in the video up until Moats realized he wasn't going to get anywhere with his yelling, was anyone at the scene even remotely compliant. In hind signt, I can understand why they didn't and I can certainly understand their emotion. But if Moats would have listened instead of trying to scream over the officer during the inital phases of the stop and after a one minute chase, the whole scene may have ended up differently. The officer tried explaining that he needed to verify the driver's information. This may take no more than one minute of someone's time once the officer has all the details he needs. Moats refused to produce his insurance and became what could be interpreted to some as beligerent tot he point where the officer asked dispatch for backup, all by the book



This statement is shocking to me coming from a law enforcement officer. No disrespect, but I'm starting to have my doubts.



Again, hog wash. And from a person who was supposedely trained at one of the premier law enforcement academies in the country. You refered to threat assessment earlier in your post. Attitude and complaince are big factors in the initial evaluation of the scene. But there came a time when Powell should have filtered the information and used his discretion to bring the scene to a resolution, especially after the nurse verified the situation. He didn't do that and he failed miserably.

But too many people here are painting this whole scenario in black and white and painting all law enforcment officers with a real broad brush. There's simple lesson here. Stop when you see lights and sirens, be compliant and explain your situation. Most law enforcment officers are level headed people. We only see the few times when things go wrong and draw our conclusions on that alone, but never the thousands of times when their judgement is spot on.

Like the Dallas media you've selected only portions of my comment to try and make a point. So let me repeat. I understand his drawing of the weapon . However because he does something correctly at first does not give an ok to act like an butt hole. That is the point.

This particular officer did not look at all factors as you are doing as well. You are defending the officer reactions to a non trained civilian. Moats does not have a book or been to classes or seen training films about this situation. Powells has. Moats acted reasonably from start to finish. Powell might have had justification at first but quickly degraded. And for a police officer thats not good. That is what cancels all the good. And that is why people are outraged. As well as they should be.

You for whatever reason continue to defend the actions of a man that persons who have been in law enforcement longer than I have felt were inexcuseable. Whether that is your intention or not

 

[Kevinicus]

I'll give this clown the benefit of the doubt. At 7:30 into the first video when the officer is informed that the story is in fact true by a hospital official "compassion" should have kicked in. It didn't. Idiot material.

I don't think anyone has excused the officer's actions once the situation had settled down and things became clear.

 

[Bleu Star]

I don't think anyone has excused the officer's actions once the situation had settled down and things became clear.

It shouldn't have taken that long if he was really paying attention to the situation and not to himself. If I see hazards on a vehicle that runs a red light and ultimately ends up in a hospital parking lot I am getting out asking questions and would have the situation sized up in less than two minutes. Done. I do have a compassionate side though... Unlike some..

Back in 1992, upon exiting the Air Force, I had completed all batteries of tests and was this close ( ) to becoming a Shreveport Police Officer. The only thing that ultimately stopped me was the urgency of my fiancee at the time to not go through with it. We just hit 17 yrs of marriage in February and I would imagine our lives might have been vastly different had I went ahead with it anyway. I'm just rambling which I am known to do on occasion. Don't mind me.

 

[dogunwo]

I suppose by your line of thinking, the flashers should obviously mean the driver is the pillar of the church?? This example should have had a simple outcome...walk into the hospital and check the story, especially since you (as the officer) is already there too. The chick jumping out and running is pure stupidity, no matter what the reason. No problem with the scolding of the officers conduct, but you can't fix stupid with the wife, either. Take a look at the outcome of "ordinary traffic stops" with the recent Oakland P.D. incident...YOU may take things for granted (innocent motorists), but there are two police officers who were writing a traffic ticket that are dead because they lost control of the stop and let a turd walk back to them from his car. The real world doesn't survive your line of thinking, but I totally agree the officer should have probably chosen another line of work with his lack of common sense....maybe an attorney or quarterback for the Titans.

An unnecessary attack at people you know nothing about. Grow the heck up. Its unfortunate you felt like that was a mature thing to say.